Hydroponic tomato operation to create 90 jobs in VIC

The construction of a new $12m hydroponic tomato growing operation in Katunga Victoria is expected to create 90 new jobs.

The new Flavourwave business venture facility has been backed by the state government who has contributed a grant of $500,000 to the development of the project, The Weekly Times Now reports.

The venture is the result of a partnership between existing businesses and investors within the hydroponic vegetable industry including the likes of Katunga Fresh and Victoria’s largest hydroponic tomato business, Flavorite.

The facility will be using state of the art technology to provide a completely controlled environment for growing plants, and any runoff water will be analysed for nutrient levels to ensure the health of the plants.

Victoria’s deputy premier, Peter Ryan said that the project will be delivered with two stages over a five year period.

Stage one will involve a $6m investment including a 5.3 hectare state of the art glasshouse, packing shed and office facilities. The second stage will include an additional 5.3 hectare glasshouse and additional equipment.